MADISON, Wis. — Winter weather often takes a toll on both roads and cars.
Wayne Hammer is the owner of Midwest Engine Service in Madison. He said during winter months his team gets cars in for road related wear-and-tear problems.
“We see a lot more cars in the wintertime that are damaged because of potholes and rough roads and things like that,” said Hammer.
He said winter roads can make things like front end suspension and steering break down prematurely.
“Front wheel bearings, in this case the front wheel bearing is loose, and it needs a front wheel bearing,” said Hammer. “He hit a pothole and shortly after that he thought his front wheel was coming off, but it wasn’t that at all, it was the wheel bearing itself failed.”
Tim Pelton is the operations manager for the Dane County Highway and Transportation Department. He said it’s the warmer temperatures that really take a toll on Wisconsin roads.
“You know the freeze that happens over the winter and then we get the freeze thaw, that moisture gets under the pavement freezing and it will heave the pavement up, causing potholes,” said Pelton.
His team is the busiest during winter months, sometimes repairing the same potholes over and over again.
“We use quick patch which is just a patch that works in cold weather and things like that but as you keep getting the freeze thaw that patch will come out,” said Pelton. “So, we have to re-patch the holes numerous times until we get warmer temperatures.”
Permanent patching cannot be done until all the moisture is removed from the holes. Pelton said that does not happen until spring or summer.
Hammer said often people hit a pothole or slide off the road and don’t bring their cars in; he advised against that.
”Panels underneath the car come loose, start bouncing around, fall off, drag on the ground, pretty common thing,” said Hammer. “They get a bunch of snow in them and then they drag on the road and need to be replaced; a lot of people take them off but you should not do that.”
Pelton asked for people to drive as safely as possible when workers are fixing the roadways. He also said the public has a part to play with getting potholes patched.
“If traffic or the public sees us, if they could please slow down and move over for our crews so they can patch these potholes safely, that would be very much appreciated,” said Pelton.
If you spot or hit a pothole, you can report it.
In Madison, you can either fill out a form on the city’s website or call the city. For Dane County, the number is 608-266-4011.
In Milwaukee, you can fill out a form online or use the M-K-E mobile action app. You can also reach them at 414-286-2489.
In addition, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation said all Wisconsinites can reach out to local highway departments to report potholes.